GARDAÍ are investigating an arson attack on a Centra store in Ballincollig, Co Cork which caused €150,000 in damage .
The family-run store has been forced to close arising out of the damage caused over the weekend.
On Sunday morning, a number of wheelie bins behind the store in Rosewood, Ballincollig, were set alight, causing gas cylinders to explode. Residents in nearby houses had to be evacuated in case the remaining cylinders exploded and further fuelled the blaze.
The fire melted the reinforced plastic-clad back door of the store and fridges inside. A cloud of soot descended on the shop causing thousands of euro worth of damage.
The motive for the arson attack is unknown. However, it is thought it was the act of youths intent on wreaking havoc in the Ballincollig community.
Anyone with information on the incident should contact gardaí in Ballincollig on 021-487 1222.